Long Term Effects of Narcotics Abuse

The Consequences of Long-Term Narcotics Abuse

Long-term narcotics abuse generally leads to several mental and physical health issues, such as:²

Constipation
Bowel obstruction
Stomach cramping
Nausea and vomiting
Bloating
Depression
Sleep-disordered breathing problems, such as sleep apnea
Low blood pressure
Slow breathing rate
Heart attack
heart failure
Increased risk of falls and accidents, especially for elderly people
Hypogonadism
Sexual dysfunction
Infertility
Chronic fatigue
Decreased levels of testosterone in men
Osteoporosis in women
Infrequent menstrual periods in those who menstruate
Weakened immune system

The above effects of chronic narcotics abuse can apply to anyone using heroin or prescription opioids, regardless of how it’s ingested; however, some long-term consequences depend on how the user takes the drug. For example, snorting narcotics generally results in the following:³

Frequent nose bleeds
Sinusitis
Perforated nasal septum
Irritation of the nasal mucosa

Injecting narcotics increases your risk for the following:³

Track lines
Collapsed veins
Peripheral edema
Cellulitis
Abscesses
Scars
Tetanus
Infection of the heart lining
HIV
Hepatitis C
Tuberculosis

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Tolerance to the Effects of Narcotics

Tolerance to narcotics abuse builds up over time, which means you need to take stronger doses to experience the same high you previously felt with lower doses. Narcotics tolerance is dangerous because the more narcotics you use, the greater your risk of overdosing. A narcotics overdose occurs when you’ve used a toxic amount of the drug and the body cannot properly process it, resulting in life-threatening consequences. Signs of a narcotics overdose include:¹

Clammy skin
Profound confusion
Pinpoint pupils
Convulsions
Extreme drowsiness or unconsciousness
Slowed or stopped breathing

A narcotics overdose is a medical emergency. Call 911 right away and stay with the person until first responders arrive. Provide as much information as you can over the phone. If you or the person has naloxone (Narcan) on them, administer it. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. However, its effects don’t outlast the opioids/narcotics, so you still need to call 911 and may need to administer a second dose if their overdose symptoms return.

Naloxone is readily available. Most states allow you to buy naloxone over the counter at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. You can buy a Narcan nasal spray that’s extremely easy for anyone to administer. Make sure to keep it in the house and with you when out with someone who uses.⁴

Physiological Dependence and Narcotics Withdrawal

Long-term narcotics abuse can lead to a physical adaptation known as dependence. This means that your brain and body have adjusted to the narcotic and now need the drug in order to function optimally. If you’re dependent on narcotics and suddenly quit or reduce use, you will experience withdrawal symptoms, which are unpleasant and often painful. The severity of your withdrawal symptoms depends on several things, such as:¹

How much you used
How frequently you used narcotics
How long you used narcotics
Whether you used other drugs
Method of administration (e.g. snorting or injecting)
Your physical and mental health

Narcotics withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe. Signs include:³

Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Depression
Runny nose
Teary eyes
Muscle aches
Excessive sweating
Goose bumps
Dilated pupils
Diarrhea
Yawning
Insomnia

If you’re struggling with narcotics abuse and want help quitting, seeking out a detox program is the first step. A formal narcotics detox program can provide you with withdrawal medications to ease your symptoms and alleviate cravings while you withdraw from opioids. Much like rehab, detox can occur on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Those with severe narcotics withdrawal symptoms may benefit from inpatient care whereas mild symptoms can typically be managed in an outpatient setting.

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Neonatal abstinence syndrome refers to a newborn baby with opioid dependence and withdrawal symptoms. This occurs when the gestational parent uses opioids during pregnancy. Narcotics pass from the pregnant parent’s bloodstream to the fetus through the placenta. Much like dependence in people who use narcotics, this condition occurs from long-term narcotics abuse. Symptoms may appear within one to three days after birth, but in some cases, they may not emerge for a week. Newborn babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome need to be kept at the hospital for monitoring and treatment.

Symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome include:⁵

Diarrhea
High-pitched crying
Excessive sucking
Blotchy skin coloring
Fever
Poor feeding
Irritability
Rapid breathing
Seizures
Sleep issues
Hyperactive reflexes
Slow weight gain
Sweating
Vomiting
Tremors
Sneezing

If you’re pregnant and want to quit using opioids, recovery is always possible. Call our helpline at 800-934-1582(Sponsored) to speak to a caring and compassionate rehab support specialist. We can help you find a rehab program that’s right for you.

Narcotics Addiction

Chronic narcotics abuse can lead to opioid addictions. Narcotics addiction is a complex condition characterized by uncontrollable narcotics abuse regardless of negative effects in your life. Signs of narcotics addiction include:³

Using narcotics in greater amounts or over longer periods than planned
Wanting to quit or control narcotics abuse but failing to do so
Spending a lot of time obtaining and using narcotics, as well as recovering from the effects
Experiencing strong cravings to use narcotics
Failing to fulfill obligations at home, school, or work
Continuing narcotics abuse despite interpersonal or social consequences caused or worsened by use
Neglecting previously enjoyed hobbies in favor of narcotics use
Using narcotics in dangerous situations
Continuing narcotics abuse despite psychological or medical problems caused or worsened by use
Developing tolerance
Experiencing narcotics withdrawal symptoms

Prevent Long-Term Risks by Entering Rehab

Though many people quit using narcotics on their own, others need support from a professional addiction treatment program. Long-term narcotics abuse can cause significant physical and psychological harm but entering a rehab program can prevent these consequences. Narcotics addiction treatment occurs on an inpatient or outpatient basis and includes various therapies and interventions, such as:

Group counseling
Family therapy
Individual therapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Interpersonal process groups
12-step or non-12-step meetings
Drug and psychoeducation groups
Recreational activities
Holistic interventions, such as creative arts therapy
Medication management (methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone)

For help finding a rehab program that meets your needs, call our 24/7 helpline at 800-934-1582(Sponsored) . Change is just a phone call away.

Resources

1. Cleveland Clinic. (2025). Opioid Overdose.
2. Baldini, A., Von Korff, M., & Lin, E. H. (2012). A Review of Potential Adverse Effects of Long-Term Opioid Therapy: A Practitioner’s Guide. The primary care companion for CNS disorders, 14(3), PCC.11m01326.
3. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
4. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Prescription Opioids DrugFacts.
5. National Library of Medicine. (2019). Neonatal abstinence syndrome.

the Take-Away

Long term use and abuse of narcotics can have a number of consequences for the health and well-being of users.

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